Russell Brewing Company Y2Haze Hazy Pale Ale – American Pale Ale at 5.4% ABV (C$3.82 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 9-Jan-2020, acquired 13-Feb-2020, reviewed 27-Feb-2020)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and moderate chunky lacing. (4/5) Aroma: mild, cereal grains, tropical fruit, light perfumy floral and citrus. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body tending slightly thin, moderate carbonation, short duration slightly astringent finish. (3/5)
The aroma is slightly disappointing in its mildness: I had high hopes given the label indicated it was hopped with Bravo, Mosaic, Idaho 7, and Amarillo, but it would be nice if they had more presence instead of being challenged by the cereal grain malts. (Not only that, the floral note gives this just the slightest hint of dish detergent character.) There’s a little more hop on the tongue, but it’s a bit short-lived and the body falls slightly thin and watery, leaving it just a touch astringent in the finish. There’ a lot of “almost, but not quite” happening here, and ultimately it’s one of those Pale Ales that feels like a watered-down IPA. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
